The US Women’s National Team’s 18-match unbeaten run under coach Emma Hayes came to an end on Thursday with a 2-1 defeat to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup.

The United States women's national team suffered its first loss in the Emma Hayes era when a more experienced and tactical Japan side defeated the Americans 2-1 to win the SheBelieves Cup title on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium.

The stakes are in somewhat of a contrast with the reality, though -- win, lose or draw, this is far from the end of the road for a youth-focused version of the U.S., with today's game serving as more of a stepping stone than anything else.